looking for the impossible. non-Valk

[da prez]

  My current truck has 290000 miles on it. I have had it for 18 years. I love it. It's a 2001 GMC.
 I am trying to replace it with a newer version.  I want (will not settle for less) a two door cab , short bed V-8 engine. Two or four wheel drive. The more basic the better.
  I have contacted dealers and they show me four door , quad cabs , everything I am not looking for.
  I have done a lot of research. I would like another GMC , 2017 to 2019. I found one ,but I do not like white or black. (I may have to lower my expectations). I found a 2008 in black ,137000 miles ,but $16500.00 was way overpriced.  I may try other brands , but will research before buying.
 If anyone has any Insite , please contact me.

                                                                 da prez

                                                               

[Jess from VA]

I'm no help Ross.

But are you saying your current beloved truck is beyond (soundly economical) repair?

My wife (now separated 15 years) and I paid cash (50/50) for a new Dodge Dakota extended cab for her in 2004.

It now has about a quarter million miles on it and is costing her an arm and a leg to keep it going (and she gets taken advantage of as a girl).  She has a cherry collector low miles Mercury Marquis in perfect condition she only drives on occasion.  She just retired (on small money) and I've tried to get her to dump the Dodge money pit, but she won't do it.

"I love my truck and I'm keeping it."   

[Serk]

Wish I had a useful suggestion, but in a similar situation...

My 2006 Acura MDX is coming up on a quarter million miles. It still gets me where I wanna go most of the time, but I wouldn't trust it for a road trip.

Starting to peek around a bit for a possible replacement but meh...

On the flip side, I can pay for a whole lot of repairs instead of a car note (Or the equivalent financial hit it'd take to buy a newer one cash.)

[Jess from VA]

I've only owned one new car (my current truck, and technically it was a dealer loaner with 600 miles) my whole life.  And one new bike (not a Valk). 

As my income improved, I just moved up to newer/better used cars.

My theory has always been it's cheaper to fix them then buy them.  But eventually there comes a time when repairs cost more than the value of the car repaired (and usually at that point, more repairs are coming shortly), and that's happened to me several times (mostly long ago).

My other theory is... all cars are junk, so don't get attached to them.      

[f6john]

Two door short beds all bring premium money around here regardless of equipment or color. I’m hoping the replacement bug doesn’t hit me again anytime soon. My 20 year old Nissan Titan has accumulated 212,000 miles, still looks presentable, no body or frame damage or rust and runs like a scalded dog! I’ve had to spend some money on maintenance this year but it was all for parts as YouTube and I handled the labor. I thank Jesus everyday for keeping me in operating condition too! Spare parts for me are expensive and rare.

Good luck in your search!

[John Schmidt]

I saw a 2-door sitting in a local Chevy dealer's lot, was a light color but don't recall it being white. Dealers around here close on weekends so folks can drive through and look without being bothered so if you like, I can check it out a little closer rather a drive by. It's true, that cab is hard to find. Everything seems to be quad or extended cab types which wouldn't want either.

[da prez]

Thank you John. The help is needed. Sales people who try to tell me what I need are dropped fast.

  I KNOW WHAT I WANT.

                                                     da prez

[luftkoph]

The cabs keep getting bigger and the beds smaller, soon there will be a triple cab and a 2 foot bed.

[Robert]

Tundra, or any Toyota pick up but be prepared to spend. Nissan is Ok.

[scooperhsd]

The cabs keep getting bigger and the beds smaller, soon there will be a triple cab and a 2 foot bed.

You nailed it on that one 

[Hook#3287]

I found one ,but I do not like white or black. (I may have to lower my expectations).

I like white, except for bikes, all my vehicles purchased since around 1996 have been white. 

Doesn't show the dirt as much, reducing time spent washing.

Other light colors are probably the same.

[Jess from VA]

I found one ,but I do not like white or black. (I may have to lower my expectations).

I like white, except for bikes, all my vehicles purchased since around 1996 have been white. 

Doesn't show the dirt as much, reducing time spent washing.

Other light colors are probably the same.

I had one white car (a very used Arizona State Police car; Plymouth Fury 383ci, that hauled ass  ).

And my current white Ram Promaster 2500.  Nearly all of them are white, as they are a service type vehicle, and I think white is considered the safest color (hard to miss).

I was never crazy about white, but now I'm completely sold on it.  If you can't see that 8.5 foot tall white whale, you are blind.  It will also haul ass (285 horse big 6cy), but I've cut down on that kind of driving in my old age, mostly. 

[Robert]

How about just putting an engine and or tranny in it?

On my 91 with 200k on the odometer I did just that. Cheaper than a new truck and I still have my 8' bed and low insurance since its 30 years old. AC, heat, seat covers, and still in great condition.

No rust, body has thicker metal, suspension easy and cheap to repair. Parts are about a 10th of the newer truck parts and so much aftermarket parts are available. Even grills and lights, seats.

No advantage to me to go new for 40k or more and get less.

Go for a used engine and trans out of a good low mileage truck or below is the connect and cruise package from Chevy. Buy engine, trans or both with computers or go performance engine.

https://www.chevrolet.com/performance-parts/crate-engines/engine-transmission-packages

[Alien]

I'm still driving my 1964 F250.  I can't imagine paying what they're asking for a new car or truck (or motorcycle) these days.

[Jersey mike]

I’ve been watching (on/off) truck prices for quite awhile, all makes and models are way overpriced.

Good luck. Be patient if you can. A private sale may be your best bet.

[Jack B]

Ford sells a lot of F150 short bed with a V8. Some put a supercharger on top of that if you’re looking for a 700 hp short bed
A friend of mine bought a new short bed Chevy. You can only get that with the turbo charge four-cylinder good luck I know they’re hard to find and bring good money

[Serk]

We're drifting off the impossible goal set by OP so I'll add to it...

Just took delivery two days ago of my first big pickup.

It was, sadly, an inheritance from a young cousin that passed away 11 years ago.

My mom's twin sister (My aunt) had it maintained but otherwise left it as my cousin parked it 11 years ago. She finally decided it was time for it to move on.



2004 Chevy Silverado 4x4 Z71. It's got suicide rear doors. I have no idea if that counts as a short bed or what but it feels like a monster to me driving it around but I'll get used to it.

Without some sort of extended cab I don't fit in a pickup, curious why someone would want a truck without that feature? Does it always come at the expense of bed length?

(My last pickup was a 1984 Toyota that was also a hand me down, and I don't follow pickup trends really, so sorry if that's an obvious query.)

[f6john]

Not what you’re looking for, but sure is a sweet looking ride.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1554460689310359/?ref=product_details&referral_code=marketplace_general&referral_story_type=general_listing&tracking=%7B%22qid%22%3A%22-7983948237608901405%22%2C%22mf_story_key%22%3A%228715977341545889227%22%2C%22top_level_post_id%22%3A%228715977341545889227%22%2C%22commerce_rank_obj%22%3A%22%7B%5C%22target_id%5C%22%3A8715977341545889227%2C%5C%22target_type%5C%22%3A6%2C%5C%22primary_position%5C%22%3A15%2C%5C%22ranking_signature%5C%22%3A4949470551206549832%2C%5C%22ranking_request_id%5C%22%3A5769315410900551169%2C%5C%22commerce_channel%5C%22%3A501%2C%5C%22value%5C%22%3A0.00087225831705381%2C%5C%22upsell_type%5C%22%3A129%2C%5C%22candidate_retrieval_source_map%5C%22%3A%7B%5C%2225279470081682472%5C%22%3A3528%2C%5C%2224392045853781472%5C%22%3A3528%7D%2C%5C%22grouping_info%5C%22%3Anull%7D%22%7D

[Rams]

I knew this was coming so, I started looking a while back, took me almost a year to find one that wasn't worn or rusted out. A few months ago, I decided I was done "Hot Shotting", transporting other people's stuff and sold or gave away my six different gooseneck trailers and sold my Ram 3500 dually.   Was looking for a truck, a certain body style, short bed, two door, 2 wd.   Wanted a manual transmission but couldn't find one worth buying.  

Good luck in your search.

Rams

[Jess from VA]

Just took delivery two days ago of my first big pickup.

Man that's a nice pick up truck Brian.   

Generally, the longer the cab, the shorter the box, but not always.

If the seat doesn't go back enough for you, the rails it slides on may be moved back a bit (gotta pull the seat first).  I did that once when I stuck buckets in a bench seat car. 

All you need for driving that is a big cowboy hat or Stetson.   

[cookiedough]

yah, new trucks are OUT NONE under 50K anymore.  I wish the bed of the newer honda ridgelines were 6ft vs. tiny 5ft I would buy one but need preferred 6.5ft bed but most items 6ft bed would work, nothing less.

everyone buys a crew cab 4 full doors and useless 5.8ft bed length, no idea why? 

is very hard to find a 2 door 6.5ft bed truck anymore, even used. 

everything is overpriced for sure used or new.  You might be better at a private party sale on what you are looking for since stealerships are way overpriced in their 'asking' price.

[Rams]

yah, new trucks are OUT NONE under 50K anymore.  I wish the bed of the newer honda ridgelines were 6ft vs. tiny 5ft I would buy one but need preferred 6.5ft bed but most items 6ft bed would work, nothing less.

everyone buys a crew cab 4 full doors and useless 5.8ft bed length, no idea why?  

is very hard to find a 2 door 6.5ft bed truck anymore, even used.  

everything is overpriced for sure used or new.  You might be better at a private party sale on what you are looking for since stealerships are way overpriced in their 'asking' price.

Ya know, those tailgates fold down don't cha?   While I recognize Ridgelines aren't for everyone, you'd be surprised what we've hauled with it.   It's also got a towing package so, it has pulled a trailer with two Valks on board among other things.  

My own 1/2 ton Chevy with a short bed has also hauled things with the tailgate down and with trailers being towed behind it.   I've had long bed Rams, Chevys and Fords, I rarely see the need for the longer beds.   But, to each their own.

Edited:  For heavy loads, higher capacity suspension is necessary and if you're like me and use gooseneck trailers, then a long bed is required but, other than that I've made what i have work.

Rams

[Hook#3287]

My 03 Dodge dually diesel bought new has been good to me, but I've been good to her.

Just invested couple K's in all new brake system and new front fenders.

Don't really have a "NEED" to run her anymore, but just can't seem to let her go.

I can do just about any work I need using my 8' trailer behind my cage, but it's not the same.

A man needs a truck.

Now, if I could find a mid 70's 3/4 ton Sno-fighter in primo condition, I might consider swapping.

Edit: probably not.

[Jersey mike]

yah, new trucks are OUT NONE under 50K anymore.  I wish the bed of the newer honda ridgelines were 6ft vs. tiny 5ft I would buy one but need preferred 6.5ft bed but most items 6ft bed would work, nothing less.

everyone buys a crew cab 4 full doors and useless 5.8ft bed length, no idea why?  

is very hard to find a 2 door 6.5ft bed truck anymore, even used.  

everything is overpriced for sure used or new.  You might be better at a private party sale on what you are looking for since stealerships are way overpriced in their 'asking' price.

Ya know, those tailgates fold down don't cha?   While I recognize Ridgelines aren't for everyone, you'd be surprised what we've hauled with it.   It's also got a towing package so, it has pulled a trailer with two Valks on board among other things.  

My own 1/2 ton Chevy with a short bed has also hauled things with the tailgate down and with trailers being towed behind it.   I've had long bed Rams, Chevys and Fords, I rarely see the need for the longer beds.   But, to each their own.

Edited:  For heavy loads, higher capacity suspension is necessary and if you're like me and use gooseneck trailers, then a long bed is required but, other than that I've made what i have work.

Rams

Is the Ridgeline as comfortable, nice to drive as I’ve heard and room enough for a 6’ driver or passenger.

[Hook#3287]

yah, new trucks are OUT NONE under 50K anymore.  I wish the bed of the newer honda ridgelines were 6ft vs. tiny 5ft I would buy one but need preferred 6.5ft bed but most items 6ft bed would work, nothing less.

everyone buys a crew cab 4 full doors and useless 5.8ft bed length, no idea why?  

is very hard to find a 2 door 6.5ft bed truck anymore, even used.  

everything is overpriced for sure used or new.  You might be better at a private party sale on what you are looking for since stealerships are way overpriced in their 'asking' price.

Ya know, those tailgates fold down don't cha?   While I recognize Ridgelines aren't for everyone, you'd be surprised what we've hauled with it.   It's also got a towing package so, it has pulled a trailer with two Valks on board among other things.  

My own 1/2 ton Chevy with a short bed has also hauled things with the tailgate down and with trailers being towed behind it.   I've had long bed Rams, Chevys and Fords, I rarely see the need for the longer beds.   But, to each their own.

Edited:  For heavy loads, higher capacity suspension is necessary and if you're like me and use gooseneck trailers, then a long bed is required but, other than that I've made what i have work.

Rams

Is the Ridgeline as comfortable, nice to drive as I’ve heard and room enough for a 6’ driver or passenger.

A buddy of mine acquired one when his Dad passed and he said although he would have never bought one, he loves it.

He's only about 5'6" though 

[scooperhsd]

MY last (and only) truck was my Ensign-mobile - 1983 Ford Ranger, 2 door (no extended cab either) and 7 foot bed. Got rid of it in NOVA for a 1990 Honda Station wagon. The Ranger had the 2.8L V6 and a 5 speed Overdrive transmission. That engine in that model year had 6 (!?!?!) different carberators !

I've done alright with small cars since then. The Honda, a 1988 Acura Integra (had hit 300,000 with a new owner), and 4 VW diesels - 2000 New Beetle (397,000 miles), 2015 Golf (150,000) 2013 Jetta wagon, and 2015 Golf station Wagon (158,000). The Golf SW is what we took to Tampa and back. OUr friends in Tampa had a very recent Ford F150 , with crewcab , 4WD, and short bed, hybrid power train that we took to Key West. They have ordered a fold down travel trailer that they intend to tow behind the F150. it was very comfortable, but I'm not sure I want to know what it cost (top of the line Platinum package).

[Robert]

MY last (and only) truck was my Ensign-mobile - 1983 Ford Ranger, 2 door (no extended cab either) and 7 foot bed. Got rid of it in NOVA for a 1990 Honda Station wagon. The Ranger had the 2.8L V6 and a 5 speed Overdrive transmission. That engine in that model year had 6 (!?!?!) different carberators !

I've done alright with small cars since then. The Honda, a 1988 Acura Integra (had hit 300,000 with a new owner), and 4 VW diesels - 2000 New Beetle (397,000 miles), 2015 Golf (150,000) 2013 Jetta wagon, and 2015 Golf station Wagon (158,000). The Golf SW is what we took to Tampa and back. OUr friends in Tampa had a very recent Ford F150 , with crewcab , 4WD, and short bed, hybrid power train that we took to Key West. They have ordered a fold down travel trailer that they intend to tow behind the F150. it was very comfortable, but I'm not sure I want to know what it cost (top of the line Platinum package).

Wow the high mileage king me thinks.  

Personally have never seen a new Beetle with that kind of mileage.

The truck is not a daily driver unless its nasty out then I'll take it.

Dont like big cars much, I also stick with smaller cars.

[Robert]

I'm still driving my 1964 F250.  I can't imagine paying what they're asking for a new car or truck (or motorcycle) these days.

Those early Fords with the diesels were one tough truck. Dont ever want to do ball joints on them though.

[da prez]

  i am still looking. Will recheck on the possibilities of a transplant.  Most dealers try to tell me what I want.  WRONG move.  My truck is well cared for. It is getting tired.  I have owned for 18 years.

   Really thinking about restoration. 
  Maybe stumble on a private party.

                                                       da prez

[GiG]

I've done alright with small cars since then. The Honda, a 1988 Acura Integra (had hit 300,000 with a new owner), and 4 VW diesels - 2000 New Beetle (397,000 miles), 2015 Golf (150,000) 2013 Jetta wagon, and 2015 Golf station Wagon (158,000). The Golf SW is what we took to Tampa and back. OUr friends in Tampa had a very recent Ford F150 , with crewcab , 4WD, and short bed, hybrid power train that we took to Key West. They have ordered a fold down travel trailer that they intend to tow behind the F150. it was very comfortable, but I'm not sure I want to know what it cost (top of the line Platinum package).

The F-150 costs much less than four VWs, and no need to duck behind the seats when someone sees you

 

[scooperhsd]

My 2 Golfs will still be running when that F150 has long given up the ghost The Beetle - yeah, it looks like crao (inside and out), and you have to watch the dipstick, but it could still be a daily driver (doesn't work too well as a mobility scooter hauler, though).  - Correction on the mileage - it's only at 387,000 miles. If I drove it more, I'd bet that I could get it to 500,000 miles. Other people have gotten their VW TDI's to 600,000 , but the odometer will stop at 1,000,000 KM.

Oh and ALL my current vehicles are paid off. All they cost me is fuel, maintenance, and insurance.

[GiG]

What does any of that useless VW crap information have to do with Ross’ search for a pickup???  
He already knows licensing, maintenance, & fuel are required. He’s looking for a truck, not a beat up
High mileage hippie mobile   

[Hook#3287]

  i am still looking. Will recheck on the possibilities of a transplant.  Most dealers try to tell me what I want.  WRONG move.  My truck is well cared for. It is getting tired.  I have owned for 18 years.

   Really thinking about restoration. 
  Maybe stumble on a private party.

                                                       da prez

My thought is if the frame and body are not rusted out, it's worth the effort to restore. But mostly the frame, body parts are relatively cheap.

Especially if it fits you right and you can't find a decent replacement.

Maybe find a beater cage to run around while you rebuild your truck?

$16,500.00 fixes a lot.

[Hook#3287]

What does any of that useless information have to do with Ross’ search for a pickup???  

Well, the OP asked for insite, he didn't specify.  I feel most posts here are providing him with insite on other brands he has not previously considered.

He can decide if it's useless or not.  I hope it does help him.

[GiG]

We're drifting off the impossible goal set by OP so I'll add to it...

Just took delivery two days ago of my first big pickup.

It was, sadly, an inheritance from a young cousin that passed away 11 years ago.

My mom's twin sister (My aunt) had it maintained but otherwise left it as my cousin parked it 11 years ago. She finally decided it was time for it to move on.



2004 Chevy Silverado 4x4 Z71. It's got suicide rear doors. I have no idea if that counts as a short bed or what but it feels like a monster to me driving it around but I'll get used to it.

Without some sort of extended cab I don't fit in a pickup, curious why someone would want a truck without that feature? Does it always come at the expense of bed length?

(My last pickup was a 1984 Toyota that was also a hand me down, and I don't follow pickup trends really, so sorry if that's an obvious query.)

Good looking truck, Serk! Seems to color match your stable 
My Ranger has club cab - jump seat in rear - just deep enough to prevent my skull from crashing through rear window.
Newer RAM is 4 door no skull crashing, can’t even reach rear window 

[da prez]

  I am still searching. Put in the search my parameters and high priced ads showed the trucks I do not want.
  Found one in Ohio I will call on. 350 miles away. No big deal.
   If there is anyone in Arizona area , Please search for me. I put it in the computer ,and get everything but what I am looking for.
 2017 - 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 two door , two or four wheel drive short bed . MUST be a V-8 engine.

                                            THANK YOU

                                                                 da prez

[Robert]

So although I rebuilt the 350 that was in mine, I am thinking about changing it out again. Maybe put in the LS 6.0 out of a Cadillac Escalade. The truck is good and starts and runs good and has more power, but not the smooth, quiet, tire burner ride I wanted. But without to much mods I can put this in and sell the motor I have.

I put the exchange list below for Perez to look at to see what is available to change out to.

Power    409 Hp @ 5700 rpm.
Power per litre    66.5 Hp/l
Torque    565 Nm @ 4400 rpm. 416.72 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm.

Will bolt up to the existing trans and mounts are able to be had and I can use a 4 barrel manifold with the HOlley Sniper injection. Maybe if I want to do the work and can find a good doner will take the trans and computers out of it and have a harness built.

Cadillac Escalade II 6.2 i V8 (409 Hp) | Technical specs, data, fuel consumption, Dimensions: https://www.auto-data.net/en/cadillac-escalade-ii-6.2-i-v8-409hp-11731

6.0L LS Engine Guide: Block Specs, Swap Resources & Build Info
Posted 02/21/22 by OnAllCylinders Staff
Last updated on 05/03/2024

https://www.onallcylinders.com/2022/02/21/6-0l-ls-engine-guide-block-specs-swap-resources-build-info/


2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade
2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT
2003-2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2003-2007 Chevrolet Silverado SS
2004-2005 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Vortec HO Edition Only [Badging on truck](B4V)
2006-2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra VortecMAX Option

[da prez]

Found a truck locally. Almost went to Arizona for one. THANKS TO EVERYONE who helped in my search. Got close to what I wanted. Low milage , but it has four doors.

                                      da prez

[cookiedough]

Found a truck locally. Almost went to Arizona for one. THANKS TO EVERYONE who helped in my search. Got close to what I wanted. Low milage , but it has four doors.

                                      da prez

congrats  yah, hard to find a 2 door 6.5ft bed truck anymore, even used.  Hope it lasts you another 200K miles or the last full sized truck you will ever need...

car advice is like __sholes.... everyone has one.  what I prefer and will never look back is my last year made 2021 toyota tundra sr5 double cab 6.5ft bed NON TRD pkg 4wd 5.7L V8, before toyota messed it up in 2022 doing all revamped new and NOT reliable twin turbo V6 garbage.    I try to keep the miles off of it say 8K miles per year is all so it might last me the next 25 years or so of my entire life.  It is No frills mid level trim but is the ONLY extended cab that has REAL rear doors and still able to fit 3 adults under 6ft comfortably in the rear seats unlike ford,dodge,chevy 1/2 ton ext. cab trucks having no legroom and not as comfy rear seats for adults.   Do I wish it got better mpg vs. avg 16 or 17 hwy,  yes, but not many 1/2 ton trucks, if any, even with the twin turbo v6 on hwy. get over 20 mpg. Overall reliability on all my former 2007 on up tundras owned have been more reliable than all my past chevy silverado trucks either 5.7L or 5.3L V8 owned prior to 2007 when I bought my first tundra.  RESALE is the best by far also high demand.

and yes,  I NEED a 6.5ft bed or for sure a 6ft bed even with tailgate down since every year throw a 14ft boat in the back and even 6ft length is pushing it safety wise strapped down with tailgate down.  I did have LONG ago when kids littler a crewcab 5ft 8 inch bed chevy silverado went on a vacation trip ATVING up north with my kids 90cc ATV in the back and lots of other totes cramped in the bed and could NOT get the darn tailgate closed which needed to be done.  Thus require 6ft bed but 6.5ft bed is so much better/safer for my needs. I sold that 5.8ft bed chevy as soon as got back from vacation.

I like the ridgeline test drove one is big 'enough' inside good for 4 adults gets ok mpg with V6 and could tow barely my needs up to say 5K lbs. barely, just the bed is too short for my needs 'even' with tailgate down.  Even a few times per year i have to rearrange items in my 6.5ft bed to fit with tailgate closed.

[Hook#3287]

I just watched a YouTuber called "I do cars" that tears down all make and model engines that have been internally destroyed.

His last was the Toyota twin turbo v6 out of a Tundra w/38k on it.

Crank bearings self destructed.

Interesting watch.